Audi has revealed a new generation 3.0-litre V6 diesel that both meets Euro 6 emissions standards and produces up to 272hp.

The new motor, which even in basic guise produces 218hp, is expected to roll out soon in the A6 and A7 range, before appearing in the new A4 due 2015.

The 2,967cc V6 engine also produces up to 442lb ft of torque – yet is up to 13% more fuel efficient too. With average CO2 reductions of 15 grams, it earns Audi ‘clean diesel’ status.

New features include a new thermal management system: crankcase and the new-design cylinder heads have separate coolant loops. There are new turbos and variable-load oil pump, and there’s even a world first: Audi has combined NOx storage, diesel particulate filter and SCR injection into a single assembly.

Audi chairman Professor Rupert Stadler used the launch of the new engine to underline Audi’s commitment to diesel, saying they are a “central part of our technology mix for the mobility of tomorrow.”

The firm has been perfecting diesels for two decades now, yet still believes there is “potential for increasing efficiency in the future too.”

Audi is no stranger to the Vienna Motor Symposium. It first introduced an engine here back in 2009 the 2.5-litr TFSI. 2010 was the then-new 3.0 TDI, with 2011 seeing the 3.0 BiTDI and 1.8 TFSI shown. It was the 4.0 TFSI in 2012 and the R18 e-tron quattro V6 TDI last year.

About Motoring Research

Motoring Research is a multimedia publisher that’s been delivering the goods to clients since 1986.

We are growing fast, developing the Motoring Research Network of freelancers around our highly experienced in-house team. Together, we have more than half a century’s experience of motoring journalism…